He stated this attending the third monthly sports forum organized by the ‘Save the Sports' Sports organization.
This forum was held under the topic of “Cricket, Olympic and T20”, on Tuesday the 26th of July 2016 (today), at the Grand Oriental Hotel. For this forum, Former Test Cricket Captain Mr. Arjuna Ranatunga, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Athletic Training Association Mr. Susantha Fernando and Sports Consultant Mr. B.L.S. Perera attended.
“If I was Muralidharan I will not accept this task. Anyhow Muralidharan have taken over this task. If we are to see that if it is right or not, we will have to consider few areas. Firstly, what I see is that, the company who was complaining and blaming that Muralidharan was chucking the ball in Australia, now wants to engage him in the Australian cricket teams training.
At this point we have proven to the world that we did the right thing. By Muralidharan getting involved and agreeing for this contract, for even a short period of time, he proves that he is innocent. Secondly, I personally think that, it will be more appropriate if Muralidharan didn’t agree on these terms. However, we have to look at this from another point of view.
After the last cricket election how many players have been removed from the training portfolios who won the World Cup? Former Chief Selector Jayasooriya was removed first. Eric Upashantha was removed. Pushpakumara was removed. Chaminda Vaas, Upul Chandana was removed. Instead they brought foreign coaches to the country. Our country’s Cricket Board doesn’t want to give any opportunities to the talented cricketers. Because, they didn’t have the knowledge or was not aware about cricket. So they will be able to get them under control, and grant a good recognition or give positions by giving money.
If our players were not recognized after spending more than 15 to 20 years playing and burning in the hot sun, they will have to go abroad. These incidents will happen in the future too. My personal point is that, there is no need of foreign trainers for us. The Sports Minister has to research on these occurrences. Anyhow, I doubt if the Sports Minister is below the Cricket Board. Finally, I would like to express my views, that if Murali asked me if he was to go as a trainer to the Australian Cricket Team I would not allow him to go…” Hon. Minister Arjuna Ranathunga stated.
